Curriculum Overview

The M.S. in Accounting Program is designed to provide the learning strategies, intellectual foundation, attitudes, and critical thinking skills needed for lifelong learning. This degree program is primarily directed toward those who seek a graduate professional degree and professional certification in accounting.

The degree program is available to students with diverse undergraduate degrees. The length of the program will vary depending on the accounting and business administration background the student possesses.

Specific Requirements for the Master of Science Degree

The Department of Accounting offers a graduate program of study leading to a 30 hour Master of Science degree. This includes 21-24 hours of graduate level accounting courses, and 6-9 hours of graduate level electives outside accounting.

Graduate Level Accounting Courses (21-24 hours)

Within the 21-24 hours of graduate level accounting courses, students are required to take the following courses (students having equivalent course work may seek waiver of any of these required courses):

With prior approval by the Director of the program, a student will select 6-9 hours of graduate courses outside of the department of accounting.

The Admission Procedure

The program admits students in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Applicants must have a BA/BS degree for admission to the program. Applicants completing their undergraduate degrees may apply for admission in their senior year. Applicants may be required to take prerequisite accounting and business courses depending on their academic background. The length of the program will vary from 12-48 months depending on the background, course choice, and enrollment status of the student. The average completion time is 18 months.

Three letters of recommendation. Once you’ve contacted your references, you may enter their email addresses into the application system, and your references will receive an email with instructions to complete and upload their recommendation forms/letters. It’s that easy!

Official transcripts. Successful applicants typically have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. The program targets a 3.5 GPA. Added weight will be given to grades in accounting and business classes and/or graduate-level coursework, if applicable.

Entrance exam scores. The applicant may take either the GMAT or the GRE for admission. The minimum score for unconditional admission on the GMAT exam is 500. The program targets a score of at least 550. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for possible ways to waive the entrance exam requirement.

MS in Accounting Evening Option

The MSA program can be completed in a combination of evening and online classes! This program is designed for the working professional interested in achieving a MS in Accounting degree for career advancement. The core accounting graduate classes will be offered in the evening on a rotating schedule so that these 6 classes can be completed in three years. The student can choose accounting and non-accounting electives to complete the 30 required hours that are also offered either at night or online. Interested students should contact the MSA Program Director at msa@uncg.edu. This is not a separate program so the application process is the same.

The Accelerated Bachelor’s to Graduate Degree Program in Accounting (ADP)

The Accelerated Bachelor’s to Graduate Degree Program (ADP) in Accounting is designed to provide a more efficient means to obtain a graduate degree. The program is for students who have at least a 3.5 overall GPA and strong performance in accounting undergraduate courses. The program allows undergraduate students in their senior year to take 3.0 credit hours that count towards both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Undergraduates participating in this program are given an early decision on their graduate application pending successful completion of the baccalaureate degree and may take a specified graduate level course during the last semester of their senior year that counts toward both degrees. In addition, the program waives the entrance exam requirement for ADP students! The University benefits from retaining its best students for advanced study and students benefit from the shortened time to degree. It’s a win-win!